INTERMITTENT FASTING: IS IT A STRATEGY FOR BETTER HEALTH?

Fasting. Not sure how that word originated as there is seems that there is nothing fast about a fast. Or, I would imagine so, as I have never participated in one. Yes, I would think fasting would go by S L O W L Y. Yes, ever so much so!

Imaginative hunger pangs, languid pace, energy dips and all, I am intrigued. Especially with the new kid on the block (or at least to me): intermittent fasting. Now, THAT fast is fast . . . or at least, fastER. An intermittent fast is a technique that schedules a short fast into your life to improve your health. For example, one would abstain from food one day a week or one day every other week. Just 24 hours or maybe even a little less. I just might be able to handle that. Not too heavy on the deprivation part and maybe not headache inducing for me. Besides, I keep thinking of the savings on my grocery bill . .

POSSIBLE BENEFITS TO INTERMITTENT FASTING

Here is why I am curious about this practice:

1. Fasting may add to your longevity and reduce your cancer risk.

Studies show intermittent fasting can keep your telomeres nice and long. That is a good thing. Our chromosomes have this protective coating, telomeres, at the end of the thread, and the longer the telomere, the longer you may have. Fasting has shown positive effects on lowering triglyceride levels and normalizing insulin as well.

2. Fasting fuels fat burning.

Depriving oneself of solid food can get your fat stores working hard to supply you with energy. Toxins that we build up are stored in our fat so they are released as well. The fat burning with intermittent fasting can help take a few pounds off if done regularly or maintain weight loss.

3. Fasting clears some pathways.

Moving that fat along can help with atherosclerosis, clogging of arteries by fat particles.

4. Fasting gives the digestive organs a well-deserved break.

During fasting, the digestive organs rest. They are on vacation for a bit, but, stomach acid is still produced. This is a reason why those with ulcers, should say no.

5. Fasting may help protect the noggin.

Some studies show that fasting helps with brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

6. Fasting gives you extra time and a bit more in your wallet.

Think of the time and productivity you will gain on fasting day by not preparing meals, eating them, and shopping for them. And, the grocery bill has to be lower.

THE MANY COMBINATIONS OF INTERMITTENT FASTING

Intermittent fasting runs along a very wide trail. The variations consist of many combinations like these:

Some skip breakfast; others, dinner.

A few may stop eating at 7 p.m. and then not eat again until a late lunch the next day.

You may intermittent fast once a week, once a month or every fourth day.

To reap the health benefits of any of the intermittent fasting methods above, health specialists generally say to aim for a minimum of 16-18 hours. However, remember, fasting does not mean depriving yourself of water, tea or other low-calorie beverages. Dehydration is not a benefit to anything.

Don’t miss this. Here is a detailed breakdown of even more ways you can fast with specific health goals in mind.

WHO SHOULD SKIP A FAST

But wait. Not so fast. Here are some individuals that should pass on the fast: